Pressure on soft tissues, such as muscles and tendons, can also be very painful. In fact, patients may find it difficult to tolerate even a simple friendly hug or the weight of a child on their knee. For some people, the pain is more intense upon waking and is accompanied by stiffness. It can also be aggravated by fatigue, stress, strenuous activity—particularly cold and damp conditions.
What are the other symptoms of fibromyalgia?
Besides chronic pain and muscle stiffness, fibromyalgia is often accompanied by other symptoms. Namely:
chronic fatigue;
sleep disorders;
irritability;
Difficulty concentrating;
memory problems;
headaches and dizziness;
gastrointestinal issues (stomach aches, constipation, diarrhea);
breathing difficulties (shortness of breath, chest pain);
jaw pain;
frequent urination;
painful periods;
tingling in the extremities;
hypersensitivity to noise, light, and smells;
intolerance to hot and cold.
According to the website Vidal.fr, people with fibromyalgia are four times more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than the general population. Feeling overwhelmed by their symptoms, they also tend to isolate themselves socially.
